Disclaimer: I own nothing of Vampire Knight. This ingenious work of art belongs to Matsuri Hino.

A/N: I would like to apologize for not getting this up as soon as I had hoped or said. However, please enjoy.

Desperate Measures

Kaname walked slowly through the woods toward the Moon Dorm, a procession of chastised vampires behind him and a slowly healing Zero in his arms. Even though Zero took a lot of blood from him, enough to make him a little unsteady on his feet as well as a slight headache, the ex-human was healing at a very slow rate of speed. Though he wouldn't admit it, Kaname was scared for the prefect's health. Even at level D, he should be healing more rapidly than he was.

Approaching the doors of the Moon Dorm, Kaname saw his dear friend Takuma standing on the steps with a worried look on his face. He saw the noble's eyes wander from his weary face to the unconscious body in his arms.

"Kaname!" Takuma ran toward them with a worried look in his eyes.

"Yes Takuma?" he questioned gently, less he disturb Zero's peaceful slumber.

"What happened!?!" he asked earnestly.

Looking down upon Zero's serene face he said, "I should get him settled first… Come with me?"

"Of course Kaname-sama," Takuma bowed slightly.

Shaking his head at his friend's antics he whispered, "Please don't bow to me… And could you get the door?"

Takuma only smiled and rushed back up the stairs to open the doors wide. Kaname nodded his thanks and proceeded to the door. Reaching the top step, he stumbled a little, just slightly enough for only Takuma to notice and softly place his hands on the pureblood's biceps. Seeing the questions lurking in his friend's eyes, Kaname only shook his head in a sign that he would explain later.

Proceeding to the stairs to the upper floor, he looked back at the other vampires that followed him in, "I would like all of you to gather in the living room… I will be down momentarily. Takuma, come with me if you will."

Everyone placed their hands over their hearts, all but Takuma, "Of course Kaname-sama."

Nodding, Kaname inclined his head up the stairs to tell his friend to proceed before him. As he followed his friend up to his room, he heard the other vampires proceed to the living and quietly murmur among themselves, softly enough that even his vampiric hearing could not decipher what they were saying. He would explain it to them, but only say enough to ease their fears but also keep Zero and his own privacy.

Shaking his head imperceptibly to shake himself from his thoughts, he looked up to notice Takuma looking at him questionable while holding the door open. With a nod of thanks, Kaname proceeded into the room, knowing the noble would follow him.

Making his way to his still rumpled bed, he gently eased Zero's torn body onto the sheets, not worrying about the blood still thickly coating the prefect's body. As Zero's body made contact with the sheets, a haggard pain-filled moan tore from his lips making Kaname and Takuma wince in sympathy. However, the ex-human did not awake, for which Kaname was thankful.

Looking at Zero's mangled body formed a lump in Kaname's throat. His hated enemy was willing to risk his life to protect Kaname and his privacy, it was kind of poetic. A small smile formed on his lips as he remembered the way Zero had held him in his arms as he cried hysterically and revealed his most painful and buried secret. He had felt safe in his enemy's arms. And it confused.

As someone lightly cleared they're throat, Kaname quickly turned his attention to Takuma.

"Forgive me… I was lost in thought," he explained.

Takuma shook his head with a slight smile, "It's quite alright. However… What happened Kaname?"

With a weary sigh, Kaname gently sat on bed beside Zero, careful not to jar the mattress with his movements. Resting his head in his hands, he mumbled, "I had that dream again Taku… About mother and father."

Takuma's eyes saddened at the defeated tone in the proud pureblood, "So that's why you took off… You didn't want anyone to see you… distraught."

Nodding, Kaname continued, "I didn't think… All I knew was I needed to get out so I ran. I had no destination in mind but ended up at the clearing by the lake… I couldn't control it Taku… The overwhelming sadness and hate that consumed me… I didn't even notice Zero until it was too late… I tried to make him go away so he wouldn't see me at that weak moment, but he stayed… and he… comforted me… The person who hates me more than anything comforted me as I cried in his arms… And… And I told him Takuma… I told him everything."

His eyes widened in disbelief at his friend and prince's confession. What happened to Kaname's mother and father was a secret that only he and Kaname knew, it was closely guarded at all times… But yet, the pureblood had felt the need to confide in someone. At the weight of a stare upon his form, he shook himself from his thoughts and met his friend's eyes. Noticing the slightly guarded look he smiled.

"It's ok Kaname. You needed someone… Though I would have gladly comforted you like old times. But Kiryu…" Takuma trailed off uncertainly before he continued at the hopeful look in Kaname's eyes, "He's… a level D Kaname, and a hunter at that… He is also your enemy and the only one who defies you within the vampire race and-."

"He can hear you," a muffled pain-filled voice broke in.

Shocked, Kaname leapt from the bed and turned toward it, "Zero."

However Zero's eyes weren't focused on his, they were glaring directly at Takuma, "I know I'm the lowest level of vampire and your sworn enemy as a hunter." After taking several deep rasping breaths he continued, "But I would NEVER betray Kaname's trust like that."

"No that's!" Takuma began but stopped as a haunted look filled the hunter's eyes.

"I know what it's like Ichijo… To watch your parent's murdered before your very eyes… To hear your mother cry out in agony as she is sliced apart while there is nothing you can do… To see the world you once knew become distorted and fractured beyond all comprehension… And to feel so lost, hurt, and angry that you don't think you can go on… I've been there and I never want to go there again or see anyone else in that kind of pain…"

"Kiryu…" Takuma murmured in awe.

"I-!" a muffled scream hissed between clenched teeth as Zero's eyes clenched shut in pain.

"Don't talk Zero! You're still healing! I haven't told Takuma what happened yet but I will… I'll tell him everything, just, please, rest," Kaname pleaded.

Zero didn't answer as blood leaked between clamped lips as Takuma and Kaname watched in horror. When Zero's body began to convulse Kaname dashed to the bed to hold him down with Takuma not far behind. With hands firm on the prefect's shoulders, he softly but firmly pinned his shaking and twisting body to the mattress.

"Zero! Zero please! Don't!" Kaname pleaded eyes clouded with fear and worry.

"K-Kana-Kana-me," Zero stuttered, body alight with fire.

Straddling the prefect once more, he pulled his head to his neck once more, "Do it Zero!"

"B-But," Zero tried to speak only to cough blood on Kaname's neck.

"Don't worry… I know you took from me earlier," Kaname said as he ignored the startled gasp from his friend, "But you need more… I won't let you die Zero!"

Nodding weakly, Zero opened his mouth against the taunt flesh that covered Kaname's jugular only to find he couldn't bite, "C-Can't."

"Why n-," Kaname went to ask but Takuma cut him off with a hand on his shoulder.

Looking to his friend, he saw Takuma's saddened eyes, "He can't Kaname… He's dying and… And he doesn't have enough strength left to bite through your skin."

Staring at the top of Zero's silver head in horror, his eyes quickly hardened with resolve. Laying Zero's weakened body back against the pillows, he quickly brought his wrist to his own lips. Swiftly biting through the skin, he drew large gulps of his own blood into his mouth before pulling his wrist away to heal. Looking into Zero's clouded eyes, his tried to convey his intent through his own eyes. Watching Zero's widen in shock, Kaname slanted his lips over the prefect's, pried his lips open with his tongue and forced the blood into his mouth. As the blood hit Zero's mouth, his fang's descended. Feeling this, Kaname impaled his tongue on one of the fangs to keep the blood flow going. Zero's fangs had completely descended as his eyes turned a brilliant crimson. Moaning softly in pleasure, Zero eagerly suckled on Kaname's tongue, pulling a soft moan from the pureblood as well.

Takuma stared in awe and shock at Kaname's commitment as he stepped away from the bed. To learn that Zero had already drank from him once, a virgin neck, and to let him partake in his blood again… Takuma couldn't help but wonder what had happened between the two to form this kind of bond.

He was shaken from his thoughts as Zero went slack as Kaname crumpled over the relaxed form of the hunter. Rushing to the bed, he relaxed slightly when he heard two heartbeats, one going strong and the other shallow and weak. With a relieved sigh, he realized that they had only passed out, Kaname from blood loss and Zero so he could start healing once more. With gentle hands, Takuma rolled Kaname onto his side, face toward Zero. As he tried to move him father, he noticed Kaname's hand tightly clenched in the prefect's school jacket. With a soft smile, he let them where they were, only covering them with the soft black comforter.

Walking to the door, he looked back at the serene pair, comfortably sleeping the presence of their enemy and rival. Smile still in place, he quietly left the room to inform the others that Kaname would be delayed… He would get the story when the two woke up. Something big must have happened to put Zero in the condition he was in… As well as to push Kaname to make such a desperate attempt to save his life. But it would have to wait. Closing the door softly, Takuma left the two to sleep.

END

A/N: Well, it is a little later than I expected it to be but alas, it's done. Once again, I feel the dialogue is a little choppy, but I did my best. I hope you enjoy it. The review responses and thanks are listed below.

Irmina- Yes, it probably will be the first of many sins. As you can see, they sinned again as Kaname gave Zero more of his blood. However, there will be different sins, this I can promise. I am glad you enjoyed the dialogue between Zero and Kaname the first time Zero drank his blood. This time it was a little more dramatic as well as romantic. I hope it is satisfying. I'm not sure if they will have more interference's, you'll just have to wait and see *winks* I liked the chapter, thanks for reviewing.

NegatiiveeFTS- Here is more for you, I'm glad you like it so far. Yes, it was too interesting to stop there last time, but that keeps up the suspense and keeps you coming back for more *grins*

SilverAngrywolf- Thank you very much. I'm happy that enjoy the story. I hope you continue to read and review.

LunaRina- I am very happy that you enjoy reading my story. Writing does bring me pleasure but the true pleasure comes from people enjoying what I write. I am sorry it took so long to update, as the author's note said, I have been working like crazy for the last week. Anyway… Zero being safe… It does sound kind of impossible but *grins* who knows. I hope you like the chapter and that you continue to r&r.

-xXx.0- Thank you. I know the chapters are a little short but I am sincerely trying my best to lengthen them without rambling. This chapter is a little longer and I hope it satisfies you a little. I know what you mean by reading too much, the same thing happens to me. I tried to portray Zero and Kaname as they would be if they would drop the barriers that they erect to keep themselves distanced from the world. He is a bit uke-ish but the way I have it going in my head, that is likely to change. I hope you enjoy the chapter and it satisfies you more with the little bit of added length.

Dathmocy- Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I hope you continue to read and review. I appreciate the responses.

KanameZero4Eva- I am happy you enjoyed the chapter. I hope you enjoyed this one as well. Yes, Zero bit Kaname, and here he did it again! But, between you and me, I think Kaname enjoys it *wink*

GomenTillTheEnd- Of course you are most welcome for the update. Again, thanks for the cookies, they always get to me *grins* I didn't explain it very well in the chapter about why Zero yelling Kaname's name got to him so much, but I promise it will be explained later. As for Zero denying to drink Kaname's blood… Zero has always hated what he is and by drinking Kaname's blood, not matter for what purpose, would put him one step closer being the thing he hates. I'm glad you liked the chapter and I thank you for reviewing. I hope you continue to do so.

Sasu-sama' Sarukiji-Sampai- Thank you, I am so glad you like it. I would like to thank you for the reviews to all of my other chapters as well. I appreciate it. Thanks for the story alert and favorite story adds. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

Kananee- Thank you for all the reviews to the previous chapters. In response the last chapter, the reason for Kaname responding to Zero's desperate plea will be revealed later, I promise. I'm very happy that you enjoy the story. Also, thanks for the well-wishes as well as the favorite story add.

Thank you to Emomanga, ayame zangetsu, Abyssinian Rose, TrinityYoru, Koriou-Ou, primaaryet, Lacus01, DarkenedDeathAngel, Flopples, and mobyvixen for the adds. I appreciate it guys ^_^